[Dixielandjazz] Old stuff that we cherish

[Bill Gunter]

Hello all,

John D. observed (regarding his wife's taste in OKOM):

>Julie, my partner of 7 years . . . tends to think of OKOM as 'Tom
>& Jerry' music certainly as far as recordings go, altho' she did quite 
>enjoy
>at least some of the music live at the festivals before I retired from that
>scene.

Interesting thoughts contained therein.  First, there is a strong 
implication that "Tom & Jerry music" is not "enjoyable." Also that by 
classifying music thusly one tends to trivialize it.

May I observe the following:

1. Animated cartoons are by nature funny, colorful, enjoyable and immensly 
popular.

2. Life without humor would be dull indeed.

3. There is a good reason OKOM is very often used to accompany happy, fun 
and enjoyable entertainments.

4. People who trivialize OKOM by calling it cartoon music may be 
deliberately deluding themselves into thinking the music has no real value.  
In truth this may be among it's greatest values.

You know, I love classical music, (symphonies, operas, etc.) and I love 
OKOM.  I love them equally. Life without either one of them would be 
diminished indeed.

How far removed from the real world of joy do we sometimes place ourselves 
by observing that this or that delightful morsel is "trivial" (unworthy, of 
no value, insignificant and/or meaningless)?

OK - back to the old grind.

Respectfully submitted,

Bill "Keep a song in-a you heart and a smile on-a you face) Gunter
jazzboard at hotmail.com